Patents Assigned to SMAR Research Corporation
  • Patent number: 7266812
    Abstract: An arrangement, storage medium and method are provided to convert a particular proprietary language Device Description file and/or a particular Device Description language source code associated with a particular type of a field device into a particular non-proprietary language Device Description file, and to transmit the particular non-proprietary language Device Description file from a first processing system to a second processing system using a particular Web Service. For example, the particular non-proprietary language Device Description file can be a non-binary coded Device Description file, and the non-binary coded Device Description file can be an Extensible Mark-up Language Device Description file. Moreover, the second processing system can use Simple Object Access Protocol to request the particular Web Service used in the transmission of the Extensible Mark-up Language Device Description file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventor: Marco Aurelio de Oliveira Pagnano
  • Patent number: 7110843
    Abstract: An arrangement, storage medium, and method are provided for accessing monitoring data from a storage arrangement of a processing system using a Web Service, in which the monitoring data is associated with a field device. For example, the monitoring data may be in an Extensible Markup Language (“XML”) format, and a Simple Object Access Protocol can be used to access a particular portion of the monitoring data from the database. Moreover, based on the monitoring data, the field device can be replaced before problems arise therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Aurelio de Oliveira Pagnano, Alexandre Calura Yamasita
  • Patent number: 7092767
    Abstract: A system for providing information for a process, and a method to utilize such system are provided. In particular, a controller is communicatively coupled to at least one smart field device using an open smart communications protocol, and a server is communicatively coupled to the controller. The server is adapted to receive data associated with the smart field device from the controller. The server may transmit the data in a HTML format, or an at least one image which was generated based on the data. For example, the system further may include a computer system, and the server may transmit the data or the image of the data to such computer system. The computer system may also display the data in the HTML format, and/or the image of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Aurelio de Oliveira Pagnano, Rodrigo Palucci Pantoni, Paulo Alves Dos Santos Neto
  • Patent number: 7063537
    Abstract: A rotatable assembly and a method to use the same are provided. In particular, the assembly includes a first field device housing arrangement associated with a first electrical system, and a second field device housing arrangement associated with a second electrical system are connected by a connector arrangement. The connector arrangement may include probes (e.g., spring probes) that are adapted to engage with contacts (e.g., electrical contacts), and is configured to allow an unrestricted rotation of the first field device housing arrangement relative to the second field device housing arrangement while maintaining a continuous electrical coupling between the first electrical system and the second electrical system. For example, the assembly can be a field device, such as a smart field device. Two devices may be secured to one another by use of a captive locking screw which can be used to secure the first device in desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Basilio Selli, Geraldo Gullo
  • Patent number: 7062580
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a logic arrangement, system and method which aid in a design of a fieldbus network configuration. In particular, the present invention includes certain functions for an automatic generation and verification of block and device tags, function block verification and modifications for function block type consistency based on information in the block profile, automatic allocation of function blocks into devices by an off-line scheduler, and a control strategy configuration system (which uses artificial intelligence to generate and maintain a fieldbus design knowledge-base). Accordingly, the user is able to easily configure the fieldbus network and devices residing thereon in an effective manner, as well as use the previously used configurations for establishing new fieldbus networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventor: Omar Donaires
  • Patent number: 7035693
    Abstract: An arrangement operable to communicate with a fieldbus network and operate an attached relay and a method for implementing such arrangement is provided. The arrangement and method provide conventional discrete outputs from a fieldbus device using standard fieldbus function blocks, such as those used for Foundation® and Profibus® fieldbus networks. The arrangement and method may facilitate the integration of traditional discrete relay functions into these more advanced digital fieldbus networks, and also utilize additional functions available to standard Foundation® fieldbus and Profibus® fieldbus network devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Cesar Cassiolato, Edson Emboaba De Oliveira, Libanio Carlos De Souza, Marcelo Luis Dultra
  • Patent number: 7024665
    Abstract: A control system and method for translating code from one format to another format are provided. In particular, code can be received from at least one field device. In particular, the code is received in a first format, and the received code is translated into a second format when the first format is different than the second format. For example, the second format can have a format of a Function Block Logic language, such as Foundation Fieldbus Function Block Logic language, and the first format can have a format of a non-Function Block Logic language, such as an IEC 61131-x language.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: William Duarte Ferraz, Flavio Henrique Jose De Souza
  • Patent number: 6885949
    Abstract: A system for measuring at least one parameter is provided. The system includes a control logic arrangement powered by a power source, and an intrinsically safe barrier operatively connected to the control logic arrangement, and also powered by the same power source. The intrinsically safe barrier is adapted to be operatively connected to at least one sensor which is also powered by the same power source. The sensor is configured to communicate data representing a parameter to the control logic arrangement via the intrinsically safe barrier. In one embodiment, the control logic arrangement, the intrinsically safe barrier and the sensor are galvonically isolated from external components and/or provided in one enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventor: Basilio Selli
  • Patent number: 6870486
    Abstract: An environmental condition sensing device arrangement and method for sensing an environmental condition are provided. A device case which is water-tight and/or air-tight is provided for sensing such condition. In addition, a sensing device configured to sense an environmental condition, a transmitter being operatively connected to the sensing device, and a power source supplying power to the sensing device and the transmitter are also provided. The sensing device, the transmitter and the power source are disposed within the device case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Leonardo de Oliveira de Freitas Souza, Gilmar de Matos Caldeira, Evaristo Orellana Alves, Gilberto Selegatto
  • Patent number: 6854345
    Abstract: An assembly adapted to be affixed to a container which contains a sample fluid, and a method of affixing the assembly to the container, are provided. In particular, a contact pressure can be applied to a surface of the container, such that a particular arrangement, which has a portion situated within an opening of the container, is affixed to the container without piercing the surface of the container. For example, the container can be a tank, the particular arrangement can be a sensor arrangement, and a further arrangement can be used to affix the particular arrangement to the container. Moreover, the contact pressure preferably can be applied to an exterior surface of the container so that the further arrangement may be more accessible to a user of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: SMAR Research Corporation
    Inventors: Evaristo Orellana Alves, Clóvis Catananti Júnior
  • Patent number: 6839790
    Abstract: A reconfigurable interface device for providing access to a plurality of fieldbus networks. The interface device includes a reconfigurable circuit which provides access to a selected fieldbus network from among several optional fieldbus networks. According to an embodiment, the reconfigurable circuit includes a plurality of media units, each media unit providing access to one of the several optional fieldbus networks, and a switch unit coupled to each of the plurality of media units, the switch unit activating a media unit corresponding to the selected fieldbus network, and deactivating remaining media units. A reconfigurable control device is provided for controlling and monitoring a plurality of fieldbus networks. The control device includes a host, having a server and non-volatile memory, and a reconfigurable interface device having a reconfigurable circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: SMAR Research Corporation
    Inventors: Marcelo Barros De Almeida, Rogerio Santiago Ribeiro, Delcio Prizon
  • Patent number: 6804993
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for determining one or more characteristics of a sample fluid, and a method to determine the one or more characteristic of the sample fluid, are provided. In particular, a first assembly is contained within a particular housing, and a second assembly is positioned externally from the particular housing. The first assembly includes a first sensor which may be adapted to obtain first data associated with a first characteristic of the sample fluid, and a particular electrical assembly which is electrically coupled to the first sensor, and may be adapted to determine the first characteristic of the sample fluid as a function of the first data. The second assembly includes a second sensor which may be adapted to obtain second data associated with a second characteristic of the sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventor: Basilio Selli
  • Patent number: 6725182
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a device or component are provided. In particular, a controller and/or a field device may be adapted to transmit monitoring data associated with the field device or component to the computer system when an amount of time that the field device has been in operation is greater than a predetermined amount of time. Also, a server can be adapted to access the monitoring data, and to transmit a request to replace the field device and a recommendation for maintenance to be performed on the field device independently from a performance of the field device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: SMAR Research Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Aurelio de Oliveira Pagnano, Alexandre Calura Yamasita
  • Patent number: 6662653
    Abstract: An assembly and a method of securing elongated members within the assembly are provided. In particular, one or more particular elongated members which are adapted to contain a particular fluid may be affixed to a temperature-conducting (e.g., metallic) arrangement, and a portion of the assembly may be positioned within a container containing a sample fluid. For example, the temperature-conducting arrangement can be configured to provide the particular elongated member therethrough, and the particular fluid can be a sensor fluid. Further, the temperature-conducting arrangement is affixed to a further elongated member which is configured to provide the temperature-conducting arrangement therethrough. Moreover, the metallic arrangement may maintain a temperature of the particular fluid is provided so that it is substantially the same as a temperature of the sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ademir Scaliante, Geraldo Gullo
  • Patent number: 6631298
    Abstract: A system for providing information for a process, and a method to utilize such system are provided. In particular, a controller is communicatively coupled to at least one smart field device using an open smart communications protocol, and a server is communicatively coupled to the, controller. The server is adapted to receive data associated with the smart field device from the controller. The server may transmit the data in a HTML format, or an image which was generated based on the data. For example, the system further may include a computer system, and the server may transmit the data or the image of the data to such computer system. The computer system may also display the data in the HTML format, and/or the image of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Aurelio de Oliveira Pagnano, Rodrigo Palucci Pantoni, Paulo Alves Dos Santos Neto
  • Patent number: 6433791
    Abstract: A displaceable display and a method for controlling an output of a display unit are disclosed. The display arrangement includes a circuit board, a display unit, a detector and a controller. The display unit communicates with the circuit board. The display unit is capable of rotating with respect to the circuit board and being placed in at least one particular orientation with respect to the circuit board. The detector automatically detects the particular orientation of the display unit with respect to the circuit board. The circuit board transmits signals to the controller and the controller routes the signals to output of the display unit as a function of the particular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Basilio Selli, Gilmar M. Caldeira
  • Patent number: 6304934
    Abstract: An interface device for interfacing a computer to a Fieldbus control system thereby allowing the computer to configure, control, and monitor components such as sensors and actuators which are coupled to the Fieldbus. The interface device connects to a serial port of the computer and to a Fieldbus, providing the necessary formatting of data and conditioning of signals exchanged between the Fieldbus and the computer. The interface device is powered entirely or partially from the computer via the serial port and thus does not further load a Fieldbus to which it is connected. The interface device is also portable and is thus well suited for interfacing a portable computer to a Fieldbus system in the control room or the field, e.g., close to the Fieldbus components to be monitored or controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Alexandre Pimenta, Claudene Paravela, Jr., Delcio Prizon, Geraldo Sergio Zanarotti, Lellis Do Amaral Campos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6234019
    Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a fluid density of a fluid in a tank includes, for example, a first sensor coupled to a second sensor through an extension. The two sensors are coupled to a transmitter. The sensors are lowered into the fluid of the tank such that the first sensor is positioned at a first fluid level and the second sensor is positioned at a second fluid level. Fluid pressure at the two levels is sensed by the two sensors which affects the fluid pressure of a fill fluid inside the housing of the system. The effect on the fluid pressure of the fill fluid is sensed by the transmitter which creates an electrical signal relating to the fluid pressures sensed by the two sensors. A calculating device may determine the fluid density of the fluid in the tank from the signal received from the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventor: Gilmar M. Caldeira
  • Patent number: 6095674
    Abstract: A system for configuring a process control system, e.g., a Fieldbus network, having intelligent field mounted devices coupled to a data communications bus. A software representation of the process control system to be configured is first designed on a computer. Using the system, a user selects representations of the various field mounted devices to be included in the actual control system. The user then specifies which function blocks of each field mounted device are to be used and how those function blocks are to be linked. The computer is then coupled to the communications bus of the actual control system via an interface device and the configuration and link data are downloaded to the field mounted devices of the control system. The computer can act as a bus master of the communications bus of the control system with the field mounted devices acting as slaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: SMAR Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ernani Sperandio Verissimo, Gerson Valentin, Marco A.O. Pagnano, Omar Sacilotto Donaires, Vanderlei L.D. Miranda
  • Patent number: D439855
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: SMAR Research Corporation
    Inventor: Gilmar M. Caldeira